Incorporation Guide
Last updated 2026-08-22. A practical guide from CorpStart, document preparation specialists for Ontario and federal corporations.
Incorporating in Ontario costs the $300 Ontario government filing fee plus any service preparation fees. A numbered corporation is the most affordable path: no NUANS search required, same-day filing via the Ontario Business Registry. Total out-of-pocket through CorpStart starts at under $600, with everything included.
The Ontario government charges a flat $300 fee to file Articles of Incorporation electronically through the Ontario Business Registry (OBR). This fee is the same whether you file a numbered or named corporation. Mail filing costs $360 and takes up to 15 business days; online is always faster and cheaper.
This government fee is a pass-through: CorpStart collects it at cost and sends it directly to the province. You will see it listed separately at checkout so there are no surprises.
A numbered corporation (e.g., 1234567 Ontario Inc.) requires no NUANS name search, which keeps costs lower and processing faster. A named corporation (e.g., Acme Holdings Inc.) requires a NUANS pre-search to confirm your chosen name is available and compliant. CorpStart includes that search at no extra charge, so a named corporation costs the same as a numbered one.
Both options include the same Articles of Incorporation, By-law No. 1, Organizational Resolutions, Share Register, Directors Register, and complete digital Minute Book. The only difference is the name on the certificate.
Filing directly with the Ontario Business Registry looks inexpensive on the surface: you pay only the $300 government fee. In practice, most first-time filers make errors in the share structure, missing provisions, or corporate name compliance that require paid amendments later. Each amendment to filed Articles costs additional government fees and professional time.
CorpStart catches those issues before your Articles are submitted. Our questionnaire flags invalid share structures, missing director information, and name conflicts before you pay, so your corporation is filed correctly the first time.
CorpStart's flat service fee covers preparation of the complete corporate document package: Articles of Incorporation (OBCA), By-law No. 1, Organizational Resolutions, Share Register, Directors Register, and a complete digital Minute Book in ZIP and PDF format. All documents are delivered by email the same business day the Articles are accepted.
There are no annual maintenance fees, no retainer, and no billable hours. What you see at checkout is the total: government fee plus CorpStart's preparation fee.
Ontario Incorporation Cost Comparison (2026)
| Item | Numbered Corp | Named Corp |
|---|---|---|
| Ontario gov filing fee | $300 | $300 |
| NUANS name search fee | Not required | Included, no extra charge |
| CorpStart service fee | $279 | $279 |
| Total (approx.) | $579 | $579 |
| Processing time | Immediate (same day) | Immediate (same day) |
| Documents included | Full Minute Book package | Full Minute Book package |
Is the Ontario $300 incorporation fee refundable?
No. The Ontario government filing fee is non-refundable once Articles of Incorporation are submitted. This is why CorpStart reviews your information for errors and flags issues before filing.
Are there ongoing fees after incorporating in Ontario?
Ontario corporations must file an Annual Return each year (government fee of $12.50 online via OBR). There are no mandatory ongoing corporate maintenance fees beyond that, though you should keep your Minute Book current and file corporate tax returns annually.
Does CorpStart charge extra for the digital Minute Book?
No. The digital Minute Book (including By-law No. 1, Organizational Resolutions, Share Register, Directors Register, and Certificate of Incorporation) is included in CorpStart's flat service fee at no additional cost.
Can I incorporate federally for less than Ontario?
Federal incorporation through Corporations Canada costs $200 in government fees, which is $100 less than Ontario's $300. However, if your business operates primarily in Ontario, you will need to register the federal corporation extra-provincially in Ontario (additional fee), which often makes Ontario incorporation the lower total-cost option for Ontario-focused businesses.
Ready to incorporate?
Filed with the Ontario Business Registry in 1–2 business hours. Flat service fee, government fee collected at cost, no hidden extras.
Start my corporationCorpStart is a document preparation service, not a law firm. The information on this page is general in nature and does not constitute legal advice. For advice specific to your situation, consult a licensed lawyer.